Australia Arrests 2, May Raise Terror Threat Level

Australia may elevate its terrorism threat to the second highest level in a matter of days.

That announcement by the nation's spy chief reflects the growing danger posed by Islamic State supporters in the country.

Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Gaughan said 180 officers took part in nine raids in Brisbane and Logan.

Police charged two men with offenses related to "engaging in hostile activities" in Syria and recruiting people for the same purposes.

Authorities suspect the two of fighting with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Their social media posts also reveal a possible connection with an Australian teenager suspected in a suicide bombing in Iraq.

Both suspects were linked to the IQraa Islamic Center in Logan, which has been linked in the media to jihadists. There is no evidence of a domestic threat.

"There is no information or intelligence available to police or security agencies at this time to indicate that these males were involved in terrorism attack planning in Australia," Gaughan told the press.

An estimated 60 Australian citizens are fighting for ISIS, and another 100 are suspected of actively supporting the movement from home, recruiting people to join the fighting, preparing suicide bombers and raising funds for the Islamic State.

Fifteen Australian fighters have been killed to date, including two young suicide bombers.